President Droupadi Murmu embarked on her maiden visit aboard the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, on Thursday, witnessing a comprehensive operational demonstration by the Indian Navy off the coast of Goa.
Arriving at INS Hansa, the Naval Air Station in Goa, President Murmu was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by 150 naval personnel. She was received by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, before setting sail on INS Vikrant. The carrier was accompanied by a fleet of 15 frontline warships and submarines, marking a significant moment in the President’s association with the Indian Navy.
During her time at sea, the President observed a range of naval exercises, including fighter jet take-offs and landings, missile firing drills, submarine maneuvers, a grand flypast of over 30 naval aircraft, and a traditional steam-past of warships. She received detailed briefings on the Indian Navy’s strategic roles and operational capabilities.
In her address to the crew, President Murmu praised the Indian Navy’s reach and readiness, stating, “The Indian Navy units, deployed across vast maritime domains, have showcased incredible strategic influence and operational capability. Their swift and proactive actions have saved countless lives at sea.” She shared a recent instance in which her Bulgarian counterpart, President Rumen Radev, expressed gratitude for the Indian Navy’s successful rescue of the hijacked Bulgarian vessel MV Ruen by INS Kolkata earlier this year.
Highlighting the Navy’s strides toward gender inclusivity, President Murmu spoke on the transformative Agnipath scheme, which opened the doors for women in the Indian Navy, making it the first service to recruit female Agniveers. “The induction of women Agniveers across ranks and roles is unlocking the full combat potential of our women sea warriors,” she remarked, noting milestones such as the Navy’s first female helicopter pilot and the recent appointment of its first woman commanding officer on board.
President Murmu also interacted with female Agniveers serving on INS Vikrant, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the armed forces.
Admiral Tripathi highlighted India’s milestone achievement as one of only six countries worldwide—and the sole non-P5 nation—to indigenously build and operate both SSBNs (nuclear ballistic missile submarines) and aircraft carriers. During the demonstration, President Murmu was introduced to six conventional submarines from the Kalvari, Kilo, and Shishumar classes, symbolizing India’s prowess in indigenous naval technology.
The President concluded her visit by dining with the crew of INS Vikrant and delivering a fleet-wide address broadcast to all naval units at sea. Her presence underscored her support and admiration for the Indian Navy’s dedication to national security and innovation.
